Device and system for brewing infused beverages

ABSTRACT

An infused beverage brewing assembly having a solvent flow management system (SFMS) operably configured to receive a solvent and induce a flow of the solvent through a first solvent conduit and a second solvent conduit, a solvent temperature modulation system (STMS) operably configured to thermally modulate a solvent within the first solvent conduit to join with a solvent in the second solvent conduit to form a resulting solvent conduit with a resulting solvent. The assembly has a brewing chamber in fluid communication with the resulting solvent conduit and for housing a solute disposed to receive the resulting solvent to produce an infused beverage, an outlet for discharging the infused beverage, and a resulting solvent valve operably configured to select a path of the resulting solvent until reaching a desired temperature, thereby enabling resulting solvent delivered to the brewing chamber at a desired temperature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional application of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/845,946, filed on Dec. 18, 2018, which was acontinuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.14/421,362, filed on Feb. 12, 2015 and patented as U.S. Pat. No.9,867,491, which was a 371 Nationalized Application of InternationalSerial No. PCT/US2013/055348, filed on Aug. 16, 2013, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 61/742,688,filed on Aug. 16, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage brewing systems that utilizepressure, temperature, and flow of a solvent through a solute.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The creation of brewed or infused beverages through the infusion of asolvent with a solute contained within a filter media has been performedfor over one hundred years. Over time it has come to be understood thatthe modification of brewing variables, such as infusion temperature,pressure, and flow rate of solvent through solute, change the resultingbeverage's chemical composition and taste. Thus, many brewing systemshave been developed that seek to enable flavor modification throughselective modulation of one or more brewing variables. However, few, ifany, brewing systems facilitate dynamic, i.e., within the brewing cycle,modulation of one or more of these variables during an infusion. Ofthose that do, modulation of one or more variables during an infusionresults in unintended changes to other brewing variables. This lack ofindependent variable control makes the optimization and modification ofinfused beverages difficult.

For instance, currently available brewing systems that enable users tomodify pressure during an infusion rely on back pressure generated in abrewing chamber by a resistive media typically composed of a filter andsolute. In one configuration, brew chamber pressure modification isachieved by modulating the resistance of said resistive solute mediawhile holding pumping energy constant. While this does result in achange in infusion pressure, it also changes the infusion flow rate. Inanother conventionally available system, the user modifies infusionpressure through the variation of solvent pumping force while keepingthe resistance of the resistive media constant. This too results in anincrease in infusion pressure and simultaneous change in infusion flowrate. Thus, in conventional systems, the variables of pressure and flowrate during the infusion process are dependent upon each other. Aspressure and flow rate are both known to affect the chemical compositionof the brewed infusion, there is an apparent need for a brewing systemthat affords independent modulation of infusion pressure and flow rateenabling the user to optimize infused solution chemical composition andproduce consistent beverages.

Some known devices that are configured to modify one or more brewingvariables to provide dynamic pressure control, but, again, lack controlover flow rate independent of the pressure control. Specifically, saiddevices enable the user to create and execute brew formulas whichmodulate brew pressure and temperature with respect to time. This isperformed through the use of a pressure sensor to monitor the infusionpressure within a brew chamber and modulating the pumping force of awater pump such that the desired infusion pressure is achieved in thebrew chamber. Temperature control of infusion water is performed byutilizing a proportional mixing valve that is controlled by a controllerto mix hot and cold water. While the aforementioned device may becapable of providing dynamic temperature and pressure control, it doesso at the expense of the ability to regulate flow rate of the exitinginfused beverage. The varying exiting flow rate disadvantageouslycreates inconsistent beverage output, which is costly for many retailersof beverages. The inconsistencies also are problematic for retailers andconsumers, alike, as both the taste of the beverage and the amount ofthe beverage may change at each brewing cycle. Thus, flow rate, totaldispensed volume, and ultimately beverage taste are dependent onvariables such as fluctuations in solute particle size, packing density,solute quantity, along with filter media resistivity. As such, thismakes it highly difficult to duplicate the flavor of an extraction evenif the same brew formula of infusion pressure and temperature withrespect to time are used.

It is well understood that infusion temperature also affects chemicalcomposition of an infused beverage solution. Thus, an operator may findit advantageous to modify brewing infusion temperature during thebrewing process to optimize flavor. Current brewing systems utilizeboilers and brewing chambers with large thermal masses that are designedto provide consistent brewing temperature thus prohibiting the use ofvariable infusion temperatures to create optimal flavor. Therefore, abeverage brewing system that affords precise, accurate and dynamictemperature control would enable optimization of beverage flavor and isneeded.

As previously explained, there is an acute need for a brewing systemthat affords the brewer independent, dynamic variation of brewingvariables of temperature, pressure and flow rate during the productionof infused beverages. Furthermore, there is a need for a brewing systemthat mitigates and/or eliminates the impact of external factors such assolute particle size variations and solute compaction on the beverageflavor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method of brewingbeverages that satisfies the outlined need, facilitating dynamic,independent control of pressure, temperature and flow rate of solventthrough solute contained within a filter during the infusion process. Anexemplary brewing system is composed of a Solvent Flow Management System(SFMS) configured such that a desired flow rate is maintained regardlessof pressure variations in the brewing chamber or other areas. This SFMSis operably connected to a Solvent Temperature Management System (STMS)that selectively and dynamically modulates (i.e., keep constant orchange) the infusion temperature. The STMS is operably connected to abrewing chamber where solute resides within a filtering device and theinfusion occurs. Operably connected to the brewing chamber is a SolutionPressure Management System (SPMS) which facilitates dynamic modulationof pressure within said brewing chamber.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin a system and method for brewing beverages with independentlycontrolled flow rate, temperature, and pressure, it is, nevertheless,not intended to be limited to the details shown because variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, an infused beverage brewing assembly thatincludes a solvent flow management system operable to receive a solventand selectively and dynamically modulate a flow of the solvent, asolvent temperature modulation system that is in fluid communicationwith the solvent flow management system through at least one solventconduit, the solvent temperature modulation system operable toselectively and dynamically modulate the temperature of the solvent, abrewing chamber for housing a solute disposed to receive the solvent toproduce an infused beverage. The brewing chamber is in fluidcommunication with the solvent temperature modulation system through atleast one resulting solvent conduit. The beverage assembly also includesan outlet for discharging the infused beverage and an electronic controlsystem communicatively coupled to, and operable to independentlymodulate, the solvent flow management system and the solvent temperaturemodulation system.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes an infusion pressure regulation system that is influid communication with, and downstream of, the brewing chamber throughan infused solution conduit. The electronic control system iscommunicatively coupled to, and operable to independently, selectively,and dynamically modulate, the infusion pressure regulation system.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, theelectronic control system is operable to monitor one of a plurality ofsolvent characteristic variables at a location downstream of the solventflow management system, the solvent temperature modulation system, andthe an infusion pressure regulation system. This may occur through theuse of one or more sensors operable receive solvent or infused beverageconditions.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, theelectronic control system is operable to independently and dynamicallymodulate at least one of the solvent flow management system, the solventtemperature modulation system, and the an infusion pressure regulationsystem after receiving the one of the plurality of solventcharacteristic variables. This enables the complete control of theinfusion process, which is also not available with known infused brewingassemblies.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes an infused beverage formula that includes at leastone defined infused beverage parameter corresponding to one of aplurality of solvent characteristic variables. The infused beverageformula is advantageously accessible by the electronic control system,such that the solvent flow management system, the solvent temperaturemodulation system, or the an infusion pressure regulation system ismodulated to adjust the one of the plurality of solvent characteristicvariables to correspond to a at least one defined infused beverageparameter. The defined infused beverage parameter may include flow rate,temperature, dispensed volume, etc.

Also in accordance with the invention, an infused beverage brewingassembly is provided that includes a solvent flow management systemoperable to receive and convey a solvent, a solvent temperaturemanagement system that is in fluid communication with the solvent flowmanagement system. The solvent temperature system is operable tomodulate the temperature of the solvent. The infused beverage brewingassembly also includes a brewing chamber for housing a solute disposedto receive the solvent to produce an infused beverage resulting from aninfusion process, the brewing chamber being in fluid communication witheither the solvent flow management system or the solvent temperaturemanagement system. The infused beverage brewing assembly additionallyincludes an infusion pressure regulation system that is at leastpartially located downstream of the brewing chamber and an outlet fordischarging the infused beverage. The outlet is in fluid communicationwith the brewing chamber and the infusion pressure regulation system isadvantageously operable to selectively and dynamically increase aninfusion process pressure beyond/greater than a pressure createdupstream in the brewing chamber caused by a flow of the solvent throughthe solute.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, theinfusion process pressure is selectively defined. Each parameter may be“defined” to particular value. As such, “defined” entails purposelymanifesting a selected value, as opposed to adjusting a parameterwithout a specific set point guiding the adjustment.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes an electronic control system that is operated tomonitor and modulate a performance of the solvent flow managementsystem, the solvent temperature management system, and the infusionpressure regulation system such that infusion process parameters of atleast one of an infusion temperature, an infusion pressure, an infusionflow rate, a dispensed beverage volume, and an infusion duration areappreciably controlled and dynamically modulated during the infusionprocess. “Appreciably controlled,” as it relates to performance of thebrewing system, is defined as being controlled to a minimum extent thatsaid control is capable of making a quantifiable difference in the endresult or effect over having no purposeful control.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, theinfusion temperature with respect to the dispensed beverage volume, theinfusion pressure with respect to the dispensed beverage volume, and theinfusion duration with respect to the dispensed beverage volume arestored in data storage medium for recall and replication through theelectronic control system. In alternative embodiments, the infusiontemperature with respect to the infusion duration, the infusion pressurewith respect to the infusion duration, and the dispensed beverage volumewith respect to the infusion duration are stored in data storage mediumfor recall and replication through the electronic control system.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, thesolvent flow management system is controlled by a programmable logiccontroller capable of selectively and dynamically modulating solventflow at a defined pre-programmed rate. Further, the solvent temperaturemanagement system may also be controlled the programmable logiccontroller and operable to provide the solvent to the brewing chamber ata defined dynamically adjustable temperature during the infusionprocess.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, theprogrammable logic controller modifies a plurality of pumping rates ofsolvents of different temperatures such that their sum flow rate, sumtemperature, and sum pumped volume is equivalent to that desired by auser.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thesolvent temperature management system is operable to provide solvent tothe brewing chamber at a minimum temperature range of approximately 50°C. to 100° C., with a change in temperature at a minimum rate ofapproximately at least one of 10° C./s and 10° C./mL.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, theinfusion pressure regulation system operates to increase and decreasethe infusion process pressure at a minimum rate of approximately 1bar/s, in addition to being operable to provide either a minimumincrease of 5 bar greater than the pressure created upstream in thebrewing chamber caused by the flow of the solvent through the solute oran infusion process pressure of at least 10 Bar.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a recirculation conduit, wherein the solventdownstream of the solvent temperature management system is selectivelyre-circulated through the solvent temperature management system prior toentering the brewing chamber.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thesolvent flow management system and the solvent temperature managementsystem are inseparable in that the solvent flow management systemconveys a minimum of two fluids of different temperatures and rateswhich, when combined, produce a resulting solvent at a desiredtemperature and a desired flow rate.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a solute modification system communicatively coupledto the electronic control system, the solute modification system isoperable to adjust either the solute particle size, through anelectronic grinder, or the solute compaction, through a compaction tool,e.g., a press. Said modification is configured to ensure consistentflavor of brewed beverages by modifying solute resistivity to ensureformula specified parameters are manifested during a brew. Additionally,it may be configured to further ensure consistency of flavor bymonitoring SPMS performance during execution of a brew formula andmodifying the amount of solute resistance to maintain equal SPMSperformance for each execution of a brew formula. For instance, if abrewing system is executing the same brew formula multiple times in arow and finds that SPMS has to increase the amount of back pressure itadds in relation to previous infusions, solute modification system willincrease amount of resistance provided by solute during the infusion bydecreasing size of solute particles and/or increasing the compaction ofsolute particles such that future infusions require SPMS to modifypressure to the same extent as an earlier brew formula execution or asspecified within the brew formula. As will be understood by thoseskilled in the art, adjustment of said solvent modification system maybe performed in an automated fashion controlled by an algorithm such asa proportional integral derivative algorithm.

In the instance of a beverage brewing system having only SFMS, STMScoupled to a brew chamber, a pressure sensor monitoring infusionpressure may be utilized to track variances in generated infusionpressure for the same brew formula. Said variances may be processed by acontrol system which modifies performance of a communicatively coupledsolute modification system which may modify particle size and/orcompaction as previously described in order to maintain a specifiedinfusion pressure. In accordance with a further feature, the presentinvention also discloses a system for creating an infused beverage, thesystem including (1) a solvent flow management system configured to flowa solvent through a plurality of conduits in an infused beverageassembly, (2) a solvent temperature modulation system configured tomodulate the temperature of the solvent, (3) a brewing chamber in whichinfusion of a solute and the solvent occurs to generate an infusedbeverage, the brewing chamber having an infusion process pressure and influid communication with at least one of the solvent flow managementsystem and the solvent temperature modulation system, (4) an infusionpressure regulation system at least partially located downstream of thebrewing chamber, the infusion pressure regulation system configured toselectively define and dynamically increase the infusion processpressure greater than a pressure created upstream in the brewing chambercaused by a flow of the solvent through the solute, and (5) an outletfor discharging the infused beverage.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The word“system,” as used herein, is defined as one or more devices orcomponents that form a network for performing or distributing somethingor operating for a common purpose. The word “correspond” or itsequivalent is defined as being similar or equivalent in character,quantity, origin, structure or function

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. The terms “program,”“software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as asequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A“program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include asubroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an objectimplementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, asource code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load libraryand/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on acomputer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an independently controlledbeverage brewing system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an independently controlledbeverage brewing system in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting an independently controlledbeverage brewing system in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of an independently controlledbeverage brewing device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram depicting an exemplary process ofprogramming the beverage brewing system of FIG. 1 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram depicting an exemplary process ofoperating the beverage brewing system of FIG. 1 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, whichcan be embodied in various forms.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to belimited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be madein the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claimsand without departing from the invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram depicting an exemplarybrewing system 100 is shown. The brewing system 100 includes a solventflow management system “SFMS” 110, operably connected to a solventtemperature management system “STMS” 120. The STMS 120 is operablyconnected to the brewing/infusion chamber 130. The infusion chamber 130is operably connected to a solution/infusion pressuremanagement/regulation system “SPMS” 140. In operation, a solvent 111enters the SFMS 110 where it is pumped at a chosen and selectivelymodulated rate throughout system 100. It can be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that the brewing system 100 operates normally underconditions of constant flow (i.e., movement) through the solventconduits. The term “conduit” is defined as any channel through whichsomething is conveyed. In one embodiment, the conduit may start andterminate where it enters and leaves, respectively, from one componentto another within the brewing system 100. In other embodiments, theconduit may start at the beginning of the infusion process (e.g., SFMS)and may terminate at the end of the infusion process (e.g., outlet). Thesolvent 111 then enters the STMS 120 where it is selectively, whethermanually by a user or automated with a control system, thermallymodulated to a chosen temperature. Subsequently, the solvent 111 entersthe infusion chamber 130 where it comes in contact with the solute 131,thereby creating an infused solution 112. The “infused solution” may beconsidered any mixture of a single or multi-phase liquid substance.Particulate matter may be removed via a filter 132. The infused solution112 passes through a SPMS 140. The SPMS 140 selectively modulates theinfusion pressure in infusion chamber 130. The infused solution 112 isthen dispensed into container 150.

According to another embodiment, the control system 160 is used toindependently and automatically monitor and or modify solventcharacteristic variables including, but not limited to, flow rate,temperature and pressure of the infusion in accordance with theuser-programmed specifications. The control system 160 is operable tomodify the flow rate of solvent 111 by accordingly adjusting the SFMS110. Additionally, control system 160 modulates solvent temperaturethrough modulating STMS 120. Furthermore, the control system 160 mayalso adjust the pressure of the infusion by adjusting SPMS 140. Duringan infusion process, one or more of the aforementioned infusionparameters may be selectively modified during said infusion. Thisdynamic modification of said variables may be utilized to modifychemicals and/or dissolved solids infused into the resulting solution112 producing a preferred beverage customizable by the user.

The parameters required to produce said preferred beverage may becreated by a user remotely or on-site. Furthermore, said parameters maybe stored as programs or brewing formulas in the control system 160, viaa memory, and then may be recalled as desired to reproduce the preferredbeverage. The control system 160 may be programmed to provide optimalinfusion for numerous solutes or multiple preferred infusions with thesame solute. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, toensure accuracy and precision during the infusion process, feedbacksensors, not shown, such as thermocouples, pressure meters, and flowmeters may be positioned throughout brewing system 100. These sensorsprove feedback to the appropriate control devices affording them thenecessary data to modulate aspects of brewing system 100 to ensureprogrammed infusion conditions are achieved and maintained withconsistency, if desired.

The control system 160 may track performance data such as the number,volume, and/or infusion parameters of infused beverages produced by thebrewing system 100. This data may be combined with any recorded systemerrors or data that could be used to recommend and/or perform systemmaintenance. Data recorded by control system 160 may be accessed on-siteor remotely.

As will be commonly understood, the brewing system 100 may bereconfigured such that SFMS 110 and STMS 120 are reversed such thatsolvent 111 initially flows into STMS 120, where solvent is thermallymodulated to the appropriate or desired temperature. Subsequently, thethermally modulated solvent 111 would enter SFMS 110 then flow intoinfusion chamber 130. The infusion chamber 130 may be any structuralhousing wherein a solute is capable of being disposed.

A preferred beverage may be produced by the incorporation of one or moreof the dynamically adjustable systems, i.e., the SFMS 110, the STMS 120,and the SPMS 140. Said another way, any of the system 100 components,e.g., SFMS 110, are operable to adjust solvent/infusion parametersduring an infusion process. In other embodiments, a beverage may beproduced by a brewing system 100 that incorporates a non-dynamicallycontrolled SPMS 140 and a dynamically controlled SFMS 110 and a STMS120. Alternately, the brewing system 100 may include a non-dynamicallycontrolled SFMS 110 and SPMS 140 and a dynamically controlled STMS 120.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of a beverage brewingsystem 200 in an alternate configuration is shown. In saidconfiguration, solvents 202 and 201 are pumped by two SFMS 210, the SMFSbeing operably connected to two STMS 220. After passing through the STMS220, the thermally regulated solvents 202 and 201 combine to create aresulting solvent 203 of a resulting temperature. The resulting solvent203 then passes into the brewing/infusion chamber 230, through aresulting solvent conduit—which may or may not be considered to be thesame as a solvent conduit—where infusion of solute 232 and solvent 203occurs. The result of the infusion of the solute 232 and solventgenerates an infused solution 204. The infused solution 204 then passesthrough an infused solution conduit—which may or may not be consideredto be the same as the solvent conduit or resulting solvent conduit—to aSPMS 240 and then exits the assembly through an outlet to a receptacle250.

In the brewing system 200 shown in the figuration of FIG. 2, the SFMS210 is composed of independently controlled pumping units 211 and 212,with the pump 212 receiving solvent 202 and the pump 211 receivingsolvent 201. Said pumps 211, 212 work in tandem to provide an additiveflow rate that is equivalent to the total desired infusion flow rate inthe brewing chamber 230. For example, if the desired infusion flow rateis 1 cc/sec, the pump 211 may pump at 0.7 cc/sec and the pump 212 maypump at 0.3 cc/sec. The SFMS 210 may be independently controlled orcoupled to control system 280, thereby modulating the pumps 211, 212 toachieve a required flow rate of solvents 201, 202 based on total desiredflow rate of resulting solvent 203 and the desired infusion temperatureas explained below.

In one embodiment, the SFMS 210 is operably connected to the STMS 220where the solvent 202 is thermally modulated by a thermal modulator 222and the solvent 201 is thermally modulated by a thermal modulator 221,such that the range of infusion temperatures desired by the user may beproduced through their selective combination. Thermal modulationsprovided by thermal modulators 221, 222 dictate the solvent temperaturerange available for an infusion. For example, if a user desires toperform the infusion between 20° C. and 100° C. then thermal modulator221 may yield solvent 201 at a temperature of 20° C. or lower andthermal modulator 222 may yield solvent 202 at a temperature of 100° C.or higher. In practice, to achieve infusion temperatures within thisrange, the SFMS 210 will selectively pump solvents 201, 202 through theSTMS 220 at a rate that satisfies the desired overall infusion flow rateand temperature of the resulting solvent 203. For example, assuming anegligible thermal loss from the brewing chamber 230 and systemconduits, if the user desires an infusion flow rate of 1 cc/sec and aninfusion temperature of 90° C., the solvent 201 may be modulated to 100°C. and the solvent 202 may be modulated to 20° C. The pump 212 will flowsolvent 202 at a rate of ⅛ cc/sec and pump 211 will flow solvent 201 ata rate of ⅞ cc/sec. In order to improve accuracy of the infusiontemperature, the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity ofbrewing chamber 230 and system conduits may be accounted for whendetermining solvents' 201, 202 flow rates. The STMS 220 may also beconnected to the control system 280, which may modulate and/or monitortemperature of the respective solvents 201, 202, as necessary. Solventtemperatures and/or data from the STMS may be utilized by control system280 to modulate the performance of the SFMS, thereby advantageouslyachieving a desired infusion temperature and infusion flow rate.

The STMS 220 is operably connected to the brewing chamber 230. In oneembodiment, the brewing chamber 230 is composed of a chamber housing 231and a filter system 233 designed to contain a solute 232. The brewchamber housing 231 may be designed with a removable section thatreadily facilitates the insertion or removal of the solute 232. In orderto facilitate rapid, accurate, and dramatic fluctuations in infusiontemperatures, the brew chamber 230 is optimally designed with a minimalspecific heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Within the brewingchamber 230, the resulting solvent 203 contacts the solute 232 therebycreating a solution 204.

Operably connected to brewing chamber 230 is a SPMS 240 whichselectively modulates infusion pressure via the addition of flowresistance generated by at least one pressure regulation component,e.g., a valve 242. As the filter 233 and the solute 232 may create aresistance to flow, a pressure monitoring device 241 is insertedantecedent to the solute 232, the pressure monitoring device 241operably connected to the solvent 203 to enable accurate infusionpressure measurement. In order to increase infusion pressure (i.e.,infusion process pressure) greater than that provided by solute 232 andfilter 233, the valve 242 may be selectively activated increasingsolution 204 flow resistance thereby increasing infusion pressure. Onceactivated, the valve 242 may be selectively deactivated, decreasing flowresistance and thus infusion pressure.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in order to controlthe infusion pressure in accordance with the present invention, thevalve 242 is of a class that is not activated based on a defined ordetermined pressure differential across the valve 242, e.g., blowoffvalve. Said another way, the valve 242 is such that the flow of thesolvent through the solute is not contingent on a pressure differentialacross the pressure regulation component. Rather, it is activated orutilized to dictate the infusion pressure independent of pressuredifferential across itself. As such, the at least one pressureregulation component 242 is operably unaffected by a pressuredifferential across the at least one pressure regulation componentduring the infusion process. Any other known infusion systems that mayutilize a valve downstream, are solely utilizing this valve 242 as ameans to relieve pressure in the lines, thereby are always operablyaffected by a pressure differential across itself. Therefore, thepresent invention provides a user the advantage of dictating theinfusion pressure independent of releasing the infused solution andcontrolling other system parameters.

In one embodiment, the pressure regulation component, e.g., valve 242,may be a needle valve. In other embodiments, the valve 242 may include abutterfly valve, a globe valve, a pinch valve, or any other flowimpeding device capable of regulating pressure within brewing chamber230. Ideal valves are impervious to particulate matter, oils, and otherdissolved solids that may exist in infused solution, possess a minimalinternal volume, are readily cleaned, and possess a minimal thermalconductivity and specific heat capacity. In practice, the pressuremonitoring device 241 is used to monitor the infusion pressure, which,in turn, modulates the valve 242 to adjust infusion pressure. The SPMS240 may be connected to a control system 280 which may modulate thevalve 242 based on inputs from the pressure monitoring device 241 toachieve a desired infusion pressure. Operably connected to the SPMS 240is solution receptacle 250 which receives the solution 204 once it exitsbeverage brewing system 200.

As will be commonly understood, the brewing system 200 may bereconfigured such that SFMS 210 and STMS 220 are reversed such thatsolvents 201, 202 initially flow into STMS 220 where they are heated tothe appropriate temperature, before subsequently entering the SFMS 210,and then flowing into brewing/infusion chamber 230.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the controlsystem 280 is used to independently and automatically modify flow rate,temperature, and pressure of the infusion. The control system 280modifies flow rate of solvents 201, 202 by accordingly adjusting theSFMS 210. Additionally, the control system 280 modulates the solventtemperature through modulation of STMS 220. Furthermore, the controlsystem 280 adjusts pressure of the infusion by adjusting SPMS 240. Forexample, during an infusion process, the control system 280 mayselectively modify one or more of the aforementioned infusion parametersin accordance with user's desires. This dynamic modification may beutilized to modify chemicals and/or dissolved solids infused into theresulting solution producing a preferred beverage by the user or aconsumer. The parameters required to produce said preferred beverage maybe stored as programs or brewing formulas in control system 280 andrecalled as desired to reproduce and replicate the preferred beverageformula. As such, the infused beverage formulate may be any recipe orformulation made up of infusion process parameters.

With reference now to FIG. 3, another schematic diagram is showndepicting a beverage brewing system 300 in accordance with an alternateembodiment of present invention. The beverage brewing system 300 isadapted to enable the brewing system to produce infused beverages whilealso producing steam for frothing beverages and enabling the selectivedispensing of thermally modulated solvent without its passage throughthe brewing chamber.

As shown, the solvent 301 is pumped by SFMS 310, which may includesolvent pumps 311, 312, (operable equivalents of solvent pump 211 and212) and is in fluid communication with the STMS 320. STMS 320 in thepresent embodiment is configured to selectively thermally modulate oneof the solvent flows from the SFMS 310 or other solvent sources, i.e., aboiler. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, thermalmodulation of one solvent dictates that the minimum temperature for aninfusion will be that of solvent 301. The STMS 320 is operable toselectively heat the solvent 301 pumped from solvent pumps 311, 312through the use of a heat exchanger 323. The heat exchanger 323 may becontained within a steam boiler 322 which is heated by a heating element321 and supplied solvent from a boiler solvent supply line 324.

A solvent recirculation system 326 is preferably in fluid connectionwith the heat exchanger 323, such that it is connected downstream andupstream the steam boiler 322. The solvent recirculation system 326 isoperable to selectively recirculate the thermally modulated solvent 301in order to maintain an optimal temperature. A solvent recirculationpump 327 may also be utilized to aid in the recirculation of the solvent301. The temperature of the solvent 301 may be monitored by atemperature measuring device 325. The temperature measuring device 325may be communicatively coupled to the recirculation pump 327, throughthe use of a controller 380 or other means, to modulate its performanceand maintain a desired temperature and/or a uniform temperature withinthe solvent conduits. In other embodiments, the temperature measuringdevice 325 may also be communicatively coupled to a valve downstream ofthe steam boiler that is operable to inhibit the flow of the solventuntil a desired temperature is reached.

The system 300 may also utilize a steam dispensing system 370 that is influid communication with steam boiler 322, through use of one or moreconduits, and is preferably configured to facilitate in dispensing steam371. Dispensing of said steam 371 is controlled by a steam valve 372,which is also in fluid communication with the steam boiler 322 andoperable to control the flow of the steam 371. The steam dispensingsystem 370 may also include a steam dispensing nozzle 373 that may beuniquely adapted to dispense steam 371 in a manner which is optimizedfor the frothing of beverages. As will be obvious to those skilled inthe art, the steam boiler 322 is configured to supply steam 371 at apressure controlled by a pressure switch or alternate equivalent (notshown). The steam boiler 322 may also be configured to maintain asufficient volume solvent level through the use of a selectivelyoperable fill valve and fluid level switches (not shown).

In an operable equivalent manner to the beverage brewing system 200depicted in FIG. 2, the thermally modulated solvent 301 pumped bysolvent pump 312 may be mixed with the solvent 301 pumped by the solventpump 311 which has not been appreciably thermally modulated and thus isof a different temperature thereby creating a resulting solvent 301 a ofa resulting temperature. Depending on the desired temperature and flowrate, the SFMS pumps solvent 301 based on solvent temperatures measuredby temperature measuring devices 325 and 325 a. The system 300 may alsoinclude a temperature measuring device 325 b that measures thetemperature of the resulting solvent 301 a. In one embodiment, thetemperature measuring device 325 b may provide feedback to a controller380 that may modify performance of SFMS to ensure the resulting solvent301 a is maintained at the desired temperature. In other embodiments,the temperature measuring device 325 b may be communicatively coupled tothe heating element 321 or other system 300 components to operablymodulate the resulting solvent 301 a to a desired temperature.

Flow of the resulting solvent 301 a to the brew chamber 330 ispreferably controlled by a valve 328 that is operably configured toselectively prevent or inhibit the flow of the resulting solvent 301 a,facilitate flow of resulting solvent 301 a to the brew chamber 330,facilitate flow of the resulting solvent 301 a to an external non-brewchamber location, and/or facilitate flow to a drain (not shown). Thevalve 328 may be manually operated or automatically operated by acontroller 380. In practice, when brewing system 300 is in its defaultstate, the valve 328 is closed thereby preventing or otherwiseinhibiting fluid flow. The active state of the system 300 may include,but is not necessarily limited to, when the user desires to dispense aspecific temperature and/or volume of resulting solvent 301 a withoutpassing the solvent 301 a through the brew chamber 330 or desires topass the solvent 301 a through the brewing chamber. Therefore, theactive state may include modifying the valve 328 such that the solvent301 a is directed to flow out a dispensing spout 329 with the SFMS andthe STMS providing the solvent 301 a at the desired temperature, volume,and flow rate. Said independent control of system components is whatadvantageously gives the user optimum control not available with priorart brewing systems.

Alternately, the valve 328 may direct the solvent 301 a to a drain (notshown), which will enable the flushing of solvent 301 a or any gaswithin the system. The valve 328 may also be utilized to ensure solvent301 a is at a desired temperature prior to being directed to the brewchamber 330 for an infusion or dispensing spout 329 for dispensing. Thisis accomplished by a valve 328 directing solvent 301 a to a drain untiltemperature measuring device 325 b indicates that solvent 301 a is theproper temperature. In other embodiments, the valve 328 may recirculatethe solvent 301 a to the steam boiler 322 or the recirculation pump 327.When the solvent 301 a is at the proper temperature then the valve 328may switch to direct solvent 301 a to the infusion chamber 330 ordispensing spout 329.

When creating an infusion, i.e., the result of an infusion process, thesolvent 301 a passes through the valve 328 and is directed to thebrewing chamber 330. The brewing chamber may be composed of a chamberhousing 331 that is preferably configured to readily facilitate theremoval and replacement of a filter system 333. In one embodiment, thechamber housing 331 is of a size slightly larger in dimensions than thefilter system 333 to facilitate a taut and relatively unyieldingcoupling with one another. In an alternate embodiment, the internalvolume of chamber housing 331 is roughly equivalent to that of solute332 and filter system 333. In other embodiments, the coupling with thehousing 331 and filter system 333 may have dimensional variance with oneanother. The filter system 333 may include a solute 332 that is placedin fluid communication with the solvent 301 a to facilitate infusion,thereby creating a solution 301 b (a solvent 301 a/solute 332 mixture).In fluid communication with the brew chamber 330 is a SPMS 340, which isthe operable equivalent to the aforementioned SPMS 240. The SPMS 340 mayinclude a valve 342 and a pressure monitoring device 341, e.g., a pumpor valve. The valve 342 is configured to selectively resist flow of thesolution 301 b out of the brew chamber 330, advantageously modulatingthe infusion pressure within brew chamber 330. After the solution 301 bpasses through the valve 342 it exits the brewing system 300 to aremovable cup 350 or an operable equivalent.

As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the configuration ofbrewing system 300 should take into account potential cavitations withinsaid brewing system 300 which may diminish the performance of saidbrewing system. Thus it may be advantageous to configure said system 300such that the solvent 301 a and 301 are under constant positivepressure.

The control system 380, which may be an operable equivalent to thecontrol system 280 described and shown with reference to FIG. 2, isadapted to the brewing system 300 to be communicatively coupled to oneor more devices in the system 300. The control system 380 may modulatethe performance of the SFMS 310, the STMS 320, and the SPMS 340 toensure that the user's specifications for an extraction manifestedduring the infusion or dispensing of the solvent 301 a.

One benefit of the disclosed beverage brewing system 300 is the abilityto substantially separate the brewing chamber 330 from the STMS 320 andSPMS 340 without adverse effects on infused solution quality. A systemof the aforementioned configuration is preferably configure such thatsolvent 301 a is produced proximate brewing chamber 330 thereby ensuringan accurate infusion temperature regardless brew chamber 330 to STMS 320and SPMS 340 separation distance. Said separation preferably enables theminimization of the overall appearance of the beverage brewing system300 to the viewing public, including the user. In practice, onemethodology of minimizing brewing system appearance is positioning theSTMS 320 and the SFMS 310 out of the user's view with the SPMS andbrewing chamber 330 visible. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment ofthe visible portion of the aforementioned visually minimized system.

FIG. 4 depicts a visible brewing component 400 that may include amechanical support 401 with a platform mounting plate 402. The visiblebrewing component 400 may include a brew chamber 403, which is anoperable equivalent of the brew chamber 330 described and shown inreference to FIG. 3. The component 400 also includes a SPMS 410, whichis also an operable equivalent of the SPMS 340 described and shown inreference to FIG. 3. The component 400 may also include a steamdispensing nozzle 451 and a dispensing spout 450 which are also operableequivalents to those comparable components described and shown inreference to FIG. 3.

The component 400, which may also be referred to as a body, may alsoinclude a user interface 421 housed in a user interface housing 420 thatis preferably made in operable attachment to mechanical support 401 byhinge support 422 which may be configured to facilitate rotation aboutsaid hinge of an interface housing 420 indicated by a directionalindicator 431 or reverse rotation indicated by a directional indicator432. An interface housing control lever 430 may be attached to interfacehousing 420 thereby aiding in the selective movement. A sensor means(not shown) may be utilized to detect motion of interface housing 420about hinge support 422 which may be utilized to selectively activatecomponents of said beverage brewing system. An exemplary use of saidswitching means is the actuation of steam dispensing valve (not shown)facilitating the dispensing of steam from steam dispensing nozzle 451.Said dispensing may be initiated by movement in one direction resultingin manually controlled steam dispensing and movement in the otherdirection initiating an automated dispensing of steam that may becontrolled with respect to temperature rise of a frothed beverage.

The brew chamber 403 is configured to contain a filter system (notshown) within a removable filter housing 461, both of which may beoperable in an equivalent above-described manner. The filter housing 461preferably has a filter system handle 460 attached thereto, which isconfigured to aid in its removal and replacement. In operable engagementwith removable filter housing 461 is the SPMS 410 which is configured tomodulate infusion pressure as described above.

FIG. 5 depicts a process flow diagram for the present invention. Theprocess of brew formula creation begins in step 500. Step 501 is theinitialization of the brew formula creation mechanism. In this step theuser will access software or alternate means of creating said brewformula. In step 502, a formula name is created, preferably, said nameis unique, distinctive and indicative of the solute to be used to createsaid brew. Steps 503-507 specify the brew parameters. In step 503 thetemperature with respect to time is preferably specified. In step 504,the pressure is preferably dictated with respect to time, and in step505 the volume is specified with respect to time. As will be understoodby those skilled in the art, the aforementioned brew parameters may bespecified with respect to other parameters as long as the parameters oftemperature, solution flow rate and infusion pressure are specified.Additionally, said brew formula may include step 506, the specificationof filter area, and step 507, the specification of solute parameters.Said solute parameters may include average solute particle size,compaction and any other pertinent information which may be useful to anoperator when executing the brew formula. In step 508, theaforementioned parameters are stored in a storage media known as adatabase. The process of brew formula creation is complete at step 508a.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a process flow diagram depicting anexemplary process of operating the beverage brewing system is shown.Electing to brew a beverage, a user starts at step 510. In step 509, abrewing formula is selected by the user. During step 511 a solute ismodified to the appropriate size based by a solute modification systemaccording to a user's desires and/or information provided from acommunicatively coupled control system 160. During step 511 the soluteis inserted in brewing/infusion chamber 130. Subsequently, brew formulaexecution is initiated in step 512. In step 514, a signal is sent to thecontrol system 160 of the brewing device 513 which is the operableequivalent to brewing device 100. In Step 515, the control system 160causes solvent to enter brewing device 513. During step 516, the SFMS110, 210, 310, receives a control signal from control system 160,causing flow of solvent at a rate dictated by the chosen brew formula.During step 517, the STMS 120 receives a control signal from the controlsystem 160 and thermally modulates the solvent in accordance with thebrew formula. The infusion of solvent and solute within brew chamber 130occurs during step 518. During step 519, the infused solution/beverageexits from said brewing chamber 130. During step 520, the solutiontraverses through the SPMS 140, which receives a control signal from thecontrol system 160, resulting in pressure regulation during the infusionprocess. During step 521, solution exits brewing device 513.

As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, steps 516, 517, 518,519, 520 may all occur concurrently. At the conclusion of step 521, theremoval of used solute from brewing chamber 130, occurs during step 522.After solute removal, the process concludes at step 523.

The SFMS 110, 210, 310 is a system of moving fluid that providesaccurate, metered, variable flow of solvent thought the brewing system.Applicable systems may include a pumping means capable of providing flowat pressures and rates equal to or greater than those required by thebrewer. Exemplary pumps are preferably volumetric in operation however,gear pumps, piston pumps, rotary vane pumps or any others that satisfythe aforementioned criteria. Pumping means is preferably in operableconnection with a solvent flow meter(s) or an equivalent mechanism thatacts as a feedback mechanism ensuring the desired flow rate and volumeis dispensed. Preferably, pumping is performed by a pump with 100%volumetric efficiency driven by a prime mover with feedback and/orposition control such as a servo or stepper motors whereby the use of aflow meter is not required to achieve accurate flow rates. Additionally,the pumping means is capable of modulating and maintaining the requiredfluid flow rate during the brewing process regardless of systempressure. SFMS may be a self-controlled system or coupled to an externalsystem controller that monitors and modulates performance.

The STMS, 120, 220, 320 is a system for providing rapidly variable,accurate and precise temperature solvent to the brewing chamber.Exemplary systems include instant or tankless solvent heating systemsand the use of thermostatic mixing valves/systems. Regardless of thesystem utilized, an ideal STMS is capable of providing variations intemperature that are equal to or greater than those desired by theoperator. Ideal STMS have the ability to provide solvent temperaturemodulations at a rate of at least 10° C./sec or 10° C./mL flow thatcontacts solute and provide a minimum accuracy of +/−3° C. during theinfusion. An optimal system takes into account specific heat capacityand thermal conductivity of solvent conduits in operable connection tosolute material when delivering solvent.

An ideal brewing chamber 130, 230, 330 is a system that is operablyconnected to the SFMS, STMS, and SPMS. It includes a chamber configuredto facilitate contact of solution and solute creating an infusedsolution, selectively contain solute media, and allow said infusedsolution to exit said brew chamber. An ideal brewing chamber has aminimal specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity such thatinfusion temperature can be rapidly modified. Preferably it isconfigured such that the material contacting solvent has a thermalconductivity at or below 1 W/m*K, exemplary materials include the classof polymers of Polyetherimide (PEI) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).Additionally, said brewing chamber is capable of withstanding pressuresgreater than those provided by the brewing system.

Operably connected to brewing chamber is a SPMS, 140, 240, 340, thatmodulates the pressure within said brewing chamber by modifying infusedsolution flow resistance. The SPMS may include a pressure measuringdevice operably connected to solute within brew chamber and a valve thatis capable of modulating infused solution flow resistance thusincreasing pressure within brewing chamber. Exemplary valves includepressure regulators, needle, butterfly, globe and pinch valves or anyother flow regulating device capable of regulating pressure within brewchamber. Ideal valves are impervious to particulate matter, oils, andother dissolved solids that may exist in infused solution. Furthermore,SPMS optimally contains a minimal internal volume and adjusts pressurewithin the chamber to an accuracy of at least +/−0.5 Bar and a minimumrate of pressure change greater than 1 Bar/sec. Additionally theinternal volume should be readily cleaned.

An electronic control system 160, 280, 380, is ideally used toselectively modulate and monitor performance of SFMS, STMS, and SPMSduring the infusion process. Additionally, the control system is able tobe pre-programmed with brewing “formulas” that may be tailored todifferent personal preferences and solute. These formulas may berecalled when desired thus minimizing the amount of labor, skill andtime required to reproduce brewing results. The control system mayinclude networking capabilities such as being connected to the Internet,thereby enabling remote system monitoring and transmission of brewing“formulas” to the brewing system. Preferably, the said control systemwill be capable of processing a multitude of user imputed variables tocreate an executable extraction. Said variables include pressure, flowrate, temperature, overall time, and dispensed volume.

As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the variables of flowrate, infusion time and dispensed infusion volume are not allindependent variables, thus, the control system is preferably capable ofaffording the user the ability to select the two independent variablesdesired. For instance, the user may elect to dictate infusion flow ratewith respect to infusion time thus making dispensed volume the dependentvariable. Alternately, the user may elect to dictate dispensed volumewith respect to time making flow rate a dependent variable determined bythe control system.

Furthermore, the said control system is preferably capable of enablingthe user to dynamically (i.e., during the brewing process) modify allthe brew variables with respect to the other variables. For instance,the user may decide to dictate the variable of temperature with respectto pressure, time, or volume. Likewise, the pressure may be dictatedwith respect to time or volume or temperature. However, for the sake ofsimplicity, it is preferable for all the variables to be dictated withrespect to the same parameter of either time or dispensed volume withabsolute limits and rates of change governed by the capabilities of theSTMS, SFMS, brew chamber, and SPMS. In the event that the feedbackmechanisms indicate that the actual infusion deviated from any of theset values of the brew formula, an error message is preferably generatedcommunicating the error to the user whereby the user may modify the brewformula or modify solute and or filter media to enable the brewingsystem to successfully execute the brew formula.

In the event that a brew formula is generated for a set volume and theuser desires to increase the volume of solution brewed while maintainingthe effective brew parameters, the control system is preferably capableof taking the original brew formula and modulating the dispensed flowrate in a temporary fashion thus, keeping total time constant, and alsorecommending an increase in filter media size to ensure the increasedinfusion volume is of consistent flavor with the original brew formula.

Benefits of the aforementioned system may be derived from inclusion ofless than all three solution control systems: SFMS, STMS and SPMS. Forinstance a beverage brewing system may include a STMS and SFMS or analternate configuration may include a SFMS and SPMS operably connectedto a brewing chamber.

In this embodiment, flow rate of solvent is dictated and modified by theSFMS, temperature of solvent is modulated and controlled by the STMS andthe pressure within the brewing chamber is modified by the SPMS. All ofthe aforementioned brewing variables are able to be independently variedby the user during the infusion. Additionally, due to the complexity ofthe aforementioned systems, it may be found advantageous to utilize aprogrammable controller to control and modify the aforementioned brewingvariables of said brewing system.

While the disclosed beverage brewing/infusion system mitigates theimpact effect variances in solute size and solute compaction have on theinfusion flavor, it may be found useful to utilize data recorded by thecontrol system to modify solute parameters such as solute size or solutecompaction. The may be accomplished through a solute modificationsystem, which may include a solute grinder and/or compaction tooloperably connected with the brewing chamber where the solute isdisposed. In one exemplary system, a control system, as described above,is communicatively coupled to a solute modification system, specificallya solute grinder, whereby sensor data from an infusion process may beutilized to modify performance of said grinder to improve theperformance of the total system. One such example is utilizing pressuresensor data during an infusion process to modify the performance of agrinder to produce smaller or larger solute in order to ensure aconsistent beverage flavor.

For instance, if a beverage is brewed/infused utilizing a formula andthe SPMS 140, 240, 340 is unable to produce the pressure profilespecified by the formula or SPMS requires excessive or inordinate levelsof flow modulation, the control system may communicate with a solutegrinder causing it to reduce or increase or decrease the size of solutedisposed within the brew chamber. As will be obvious, assuming the samelevel of solute compaction and solute mass, a decrease in average soluteparticle size will result in higher solute resistance and an increase inaverage solute particle size will result in decreased resistanceenabling lower infusion pressures. Likewise, the system may beconfigured to utilize control system data to modify solute compactionrather than average solute particle size.

What is claimed is:
 1. An infused beverage brewing assembly comprising:a solvent flow management system with at least one solvent pump operablyconfigured to receive a solvent and induce a flow of the solvent througha first solvent conduit and a second solvent conduit; a solventtemperature modulation system in fluid communication with the solventflow management system and operably configured to thermally modulate thesolvent disposed within the first solvent conduit to a raisedtemperature higher and different than a temperature of the solventdisposed within the second solvent conduit, the first and second solventconduits directly coupled together to form a conduit joint downstream ofthe solvent temperature modulation system to form a resulting solventconduit with a resulting solvent disposed therein at a resultingtemperature; a brewing chamber in fluid communication with the resultingsolvent conduit and for housing a solute disposed to receive theresulting solvent to produce an infused beverage; an outlet fordischarging the infused beverage; and a resulting solvent valve disposedupstream of the brewing chamber, downstream of the conduit joint, and influid communication with the solvent conduit, the valve operablyconfigured to selectively have a closed state inhibiting flow of theresulting solvent to the brewing chamber and an active state thatincludes a first selective directional flow path directing the flow ofthe resulting solvent to a removal conduit without passing the resultingsolvent through the brewing chamber and a second selective directionalflow path directing the flow of the resulting solvent to the brewingchamber, thereby enabling resulting solvent delivered to the brewingchamber at a desired temperature.
 2. The infused beverage brewingassembly according to claim 1, wherein the solvent flow managementsystem further comprises: a first solvent pump fluidly coupled to thefirst solvent conduit and operably configured to receive the solvent andinduce the flow of the solvent therethrough; and a second solvent pumpfluidly coupled to the second solvent conduit and operably configured toreceive the solvent and induce the flow of the solvent therethrough. 3.The infused beverage brewing assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a temperature measuring device coupled to and in fluidcommunication with the resulting solvent conduit and operably configuredto measure the resulting solvent temperature and communicate theresulting solvent temperature to an electronic controller.
 4. Theinfused beverage brewing assembly according to claim 3, wherein: theelectronic controller communicatively is coupled to the solventtemperature modulation system, the valve, the temperature measuringdevice, the electronic controller operably configured to at least one ofdynamically modulate the solvent temperature modulation system andselectively maintain the valve in the first selective directional flowpath of the active state until the desired temperature of the resultingsolvent is ascertained by the temperature measuring device, theelectronic controller selectively switching from the first selectivedirectional flow path of the active state to the second selectivedirectional flow path of the active state.
 5. The infused beveragebrewing assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the resulting solventvalve is disposed downstream of the conduit joint, the first solventconduit having a temperature measuring device coupled thereto, in fluidcommunication therewith downstream of the solvent temperature managementsystem, and communicatively coupled to the electronic controller, theelectronic controller operably configured to send a control signal tothe solvent temperature management system to dynamically and thermallymodulate the solvent disposed within the first solvent conduit to theraised temperature when receiving a temperature from the temperaturemeasuring device coupled to the first solvent conduit.
 6. The infusedbeverage brewing assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the desiredtemperature is greater than the resulting solvent temperature.
 7. Theinfused beverage brewing assembly according to claim 6, wherein: thesolvent temperature modulation system is a heating exchanging containerhaving a heating element and solvent disposed therein.
 8. The infusedbeverage brewing assembly according to claim 7, wherein: the removalconduit spans from the resulting solvent valve to the heating exchangingcontainer to form a recirculation conduit, the recirculation conduithaving a recirculation pump fluidly coupled thereto and operablyconfigured to induce a flow of the resulting solvent to the heatingexchanging container.
 9. The infused beverage brewing assembly accordingto claim 1, further comprising: an electronic controller operablyconfigured to send a control signal to the solvent temperaturemanagement system to dynamically and thermally modulate the solventdisposed within the first solvent conduit with respect to a brewparameter that includes at least one of an overall time and dispensedvolume of the infused beverage.
 10. The infused beverage brewingassembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a unitary visiblebrewing component having a mounting plate operably configured todirectly couple a support surface, a mechanical support extendingupwardly away from the mounting plate, and the brewing chamber and asteam dispensing nozzle coupled to the mechanical support.
 11. Aninfused beverage brewing assembly comprising: a solvent flow managementsystem with at least one solvent pump operably configured to receive asolvent and induce a flow of the solvent through at least one solventconduit having a first solvent conduit and a second solvent conduit; asolvent temperature modulation system in fluid communication with thesolvent flow management system and operably configured to thermallymodulate the solvent disposed within the at least one solvent conduit toa raised temperature; a brewing chamber in fluid communication with theat least one solvent conduit and for housing a solute disposed toreceive the solvent to produce an infused beverage; an outlet fordischarging the infused beverage; and an electronic controllercommunicatively coupled to the solvent temperature modulation system andoperably configured to send a control signal to the solvent temperaturemanagement system to dynamically and thermally modulate the solventdisposed within the first solvent conduit to a raised temperature whenreceiving a temperature from a temperature measuring device fluidlycoupled to at least one of the first solvent conduit downstream of thesolvent temperature modulation system and a resulting solvent conduitand a conduit joint formed by the first and second solvent conduitsdirectly coupling together, the resulting solvent conduit with aresulting solvent disposed therein at a resulting temperature and thetemperature measuring device fluidly coupled upstream of the brewingchamber.
 12. The infused beverage brewing assembly according to claim11, wherein the electronic controller is operably configured to send acontrol signal to the solvent flow management system to thermallymodulate the solvent disposed within the first solvent conduit to araised temperature higher and different than a temperature of thesolvent disposed within the second solvent conduit.
 13. The infusedbeverage brewing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the electroniccontroller is operably configured to send a control signal to thesolvent temperature management system to dynamically and thermallymodulate the solvent disposed within the first solvent conduit withrespect to a brew parameter that includes at least one of an overalltime and dispensed volume of the infused beverage.
 14. The infusedbeverage brewing assembly according to claim 12, further comprising: aresulting solvent valve disposed upstream of the brewing chamber,downstream of the conduit joint, and in fluid communication with theresulting solvent conduit, the valve operably configured to selectivelyhave a closed state inhibiting flow of the resulting solvent to thebrewing chamber and an active state that includes a first selectivedirectional flow path directing the flow of the resulting solvent to aremoval conduit without passing the resulting solvent through thebrewing chamber and a second selective directional flow path directingthe flow of the resulting solvent to the brewing chamber, therebyenabling resulting solvent delivered to the brewing chamber at a desiredtemperature.
 15. The infused beverage brewing assembly according toclaim 14, wherein: the temperature measuring device is coupled to and influid communication with the resulting solvent conduit and operablyconfigured to measure the resulting solvent temperature and communicatethe resulting solvent temperature to the electronic controller.
 16. Theinfused beverage brewing assembly according to claim 15, wherein: theelectronic controller communicatively is coupled to the solventtemperature modulation system, the valve, the temperature measuringdevice, the electronic controller operably configured to at least one ofdynamically modulate the solvent temperature modulation system andselectively maintain the valve in the first selective directional flowpath of the active state until the desired temperature of the resultingsolvent is ascertained by the temperature measuring device, theelectronic controller selectively switching from the first selectivedirectional flow path of the active state to the second selectivedirectional flow path of the active state.